From Ashes to Queen: Now I Call the Shots novel Chapter 235

The Snake Beneath the Silk

Scarlett nearly laughed from sheer disbelief.

A video meeting?

What a polished excuse. Guess some people really weren’t afraid of retribution knocking on their door.

“Fine. Apology accepted. Let’s go.”

The butler led her through a grand nine–meter–high foyer. Overhead, a chandelier of 360 crystals sparkled, casting soft light on the Persian handwoven carpet beneath. Ancient Persian motifs shimmered across the fibers, every detail–wild horses, delicate clover blossoms–stitched with golden thread.

Both sides of the hallway displayed Mr. Samuel’s prized whiskey collection in glass cases.

Of course, after visiting Jasper’s over–the–top mansion….

This level of luxury no longer shocked her.

Still, she couldn’t help admiring the craftsmanship.

Along the corridor, oil paintings lined the walls–authentic Renaissance works. One Botticelli, framed behind bulletproof glass, glittered with golden pigment under the lights, mirroring the rose blossoms outside the window.

A faint scent of sandalwood mingled with some rare perfume floated in the air. The unique fragrance reminded Scarlett of a sedative blend.

She frowned slightly.

For someone with mild nervous tension, this aroma would soothe.

But for someone like Samuel, in his current mental state? This would only aggravate the split in his cognition over time.

“This painting…” she murmured.

The butler replied quickly.

“A birthday gift from Madam, some years back. The master never mentioned it, but he hung it in the most prominent spot.”

Scarlett smirked inwardly.

Such a devoted, filial daughter.

What a shame.

The butler, noticing her unusual silence until now, grew concerned.

“Ms. Lane, is there something wrong with this painting?”

Scarlett withdrew her gaze.

“No.”

Chapter 235 The Shake Beneath the Silk

Even if professionals were called to examine it, the ingredients in the fragrance would likely check out a harmless–even beneficial–to the master,

As for his condition…

Only hypnosis would reveal the truth.

When Scarlett entered the upstairs sitting room, Grace–the Kramer heiress–was lounging on a rosewood chaise, a gilded cigarette holder balanced between her fingers. A ruby the size of a pigeon’s eye gleamed at the tip, casting fractured light with every flick of her wrist.

She wore a custom Chanel suit, ivory trousers pressed razor–sharp. Yet as Scarlett approached, she deliberately tapped her cigarette ash onto the wool carpet by her feet.

Casual, but calculated.

Every move reeked of a powerful woman looking down on someone beneath her.

The butler hadn’t expected her here either. For a moment, he looked genuinely uncomfortable.

But Grace waved him off.

“Go prepare tea for Ms. Lane.”

She was clearly trying to send him away.

As a hired employee, the butler had no choice but to obey.

“Ms. Lane, please make yourself comfortable. I’ll be back shortly.”

Once he left, Grace narrowed her eyes, her voice dripping with frost.

“My father’s illness isn’t something a fame–chasing quack can cure.”

Scarlett held her polite smile.

“You’re overthinking it. I’m not a psychologist. I’m not here to treat him.”

“Lies! You clearly-”

“Ms. Grace,” Scarlett’s smile vanished.

No need for politeness when dealing with someone who’d tried to harm her.

“You blocking me right now is delaying your father’s treatment.”

Grace’s jaw tightened. “Don’t use my father to pressure me. You’d better tell me exactly what drug you gave him–what made him suddenly make that kind of decision!”

“If you cooperate, I’ll let it go, out of respect for the Lane family.”

“Otherwise, don’t blame me for what happens next!”

Scarlett’s eyes flicked to the ring on Grace’s finger, catching a gleam under the light.

11:52 Sar TO AL

Chapter 235 The Snake Beneath the Silk

It was a coiled serpent of diamonds–its head pointed right at the medical file on the table, which re Samuel Early–stage Alzheimer’s with psychotic features.

She suddenly asked, “Even if I explained it clearly, would you understand?”

Grace’s face twisted, clearly provoked. She nearly struck out.

“You dare speak to me like that? Even your mother greets me with a smile!”

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